Beeswax

Beeswax is the natural wax secreted by young honey Bees. Tiny platelets come from eight glands on the underside of the abdomen; the bees chew them with saliva and build the hexagonal cells of the comb. A comb of about 20 g can hold 1000 g of Honey.

Wax is more than building material. It caps ripe honey, and mixed with some Propolis it seals cracks and protects the brood. Beekeepers with frame hives get wax almost only from cappings and the tops of honey cells. It is rendered in solar melters or by boiling in water.

Wax is insoluble in water and usually melts at 62–65 °C. For centuries it was the best material for candles because it burns straight. It goes into cosmetics, pharmaceutical preparations and comb foundation, the thin wax sheets for hive frames. Paraffin in foundation is adulteration and a severe breach of good practice.

According to FAO, beeswax is considered safe for human consumption; in comb honey the comb itself is edible.

Why this matters to you: a candle of real beeswax burns evenly, and the wax in comb honey can be eaten with the honey. When buying wax products, check that the wax is not blended with paraffin.